Joao Neves dazzled with a spectacular volley as PSG secured a 3-0 victory over Toulouse, contributing to his impressive season stats with six assists. Achraf Hakimi demonstrated leadership, assisting two goals and dominating defensively. However, Désiré Doué struggled to make an impact, and Toulouse’s attackers, including Ghobo and Aboukhlal, failed to convert limited chances. PSG’s forwards were largely ineffective, while defensive errors from Toulouse, particularly involving Sierro, highlighted the shift in fortunes during the match.
TOPS
Neves Shines Bright
In a match that initially seemed dull, Joao Neves electrified the Parc des Princes with a stunning volley from the edge of the penalty area during the PSG-Toulouse (3-0) clash on Ligue 1’s 12th matchday. The Portuguese midfielder has been directly involved in eight goals this season, leading all midfielders in the league. Notably, with six assists to his name, he stands as the top assist provider. Beyond impressive statistics, Neves excelled in recovery and duels, proving essential for a PSG team that lacked physicality. In the second half, Luis Enrique placed him in an unconventional left-back role, where he adapted well, primarily operating within the defensive trio alongside Milan Skriniar and Lucas Beraldo.
Hakimi Demonstrates Leadership
Although not yet officially confirmed, Achraf Hakimi’s contract extension is on the horizon, marking a significant win for PSG. The Moroccan showcased his captaincy this past Friday, winning eight duels and recovering nine balls, setting match records. He also played a crucial role in the first two goals for Paris, providing the assist for Neves and delivering the cross for Beraldo’s goal. With 107 touches on the ball, he proved to be an indispensable player in this victory.
FLOPS
Doué Fails to Impress
In a pre-match conference, Luis Enrique expressed his hopes for Désiré Doué to adapt to various positions. However, despite receiving a chance to play in his preferred role, the former Rennes player failed to make an impact. He appeared slow, timid, and awkward on the field, leading to his substitution in the second half—a disappointing outcome for someone who had the opportunity to shine.
Toulouse Attackers Struggle
Whether starting or coming off the bench, the Toulouse attackers had a challenging night. The trio of Ghobo, King, and Aboukhlal found themselves largely stifled during a first half focused on defense. Shavy Babicka squandered a clear opportunity in the 71st minute, failing to capitalize on a risky pass from Warren Zaïre-Emery. With limited chances available, the Toulouse players needed to be highly efficient, but they fell short. Franck Magri, also a substitute, had a crucial double chance against PSG’s goalkeeper but made poor choices, further sealing the deal on a lackluster performance.
Parisian Attackers Go Missing
Surprisingly, the goals for Paris came from two midfielders and a defender, leaving the attackers largely unnoted during the match in a quiet Parc des Princes. Bradley Barcola and Marco Asensio were notably subdued, while Ousmane Dembélé, returning from injury, struggled despite his efforts. With Bayern Munich’s recent dominance fresh in mind, the lack of offensive spark is a concern for PSG. Randal Kolo Muani managed to break the monotony by assisting Vitinha’s goal after halftime, but overall, the performance from the attackers lacked the necessary impact.
Defensive Mistakes Cost Toulouse
During a tense moment for Toulouse, a corner from Hakimi turned disastrous due to a misunderstanding between Vincent Sierro and McKenzie, allowing Lucas Beraldo to seize a scoring opportunity. Such critical errors can be costly, especially when a team is performing well. Despite being one of Toulouse’s standout players, Sierro’s involvement in the mix-up was unfortunate, underscoring how quickly fortunes can shift in football.